Affordable Luxury Interior Design That Feels Good Inside
Transforming Spaces
When our clients first welcomed us into their Belleair Beach condo, their main concern was the "bowling alley effect" created by a long, narrow living room—a common challenge in Florida beach house layouts. They dreamed of transforming the space into a serene retreat that blended coastal interior design with functional, open-concept living. Their vision was clear: a soothing palette of soft blues, crisp whites, and natural wood tones, designed for effortless entertaining and everyday comfort.
Excited by both the challenge and the opportunity, April and I got to work crafting a thoughtful, full-service plan. We anchored the living space with a custom sectional sofa in performance-grade Crypton fabric, combining upscale style with durability ideal for coastal Florida homes. The off-white tone created a relaxed, elevated feel—perfect for beachside living without worry.
Solving the awkward layout became a rewarding design moment. We introduced a corner banquette with built-in storage, adding both charm and functionality. I selected a faux wall finish in serene blue for the banquette nook, envisioning how it would pop against a crisp white art piece to become a subtle focal point. In the dining area, we chose a versatile, expandable table ideal for seating up to eight—ready for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or quiet nights in.
By reimagining the space flow and emphasizing light, breezy materials, we delivered a complete transformation—turning a tight floor plan into a beautiful, welcoming coastal-inspired condo that now lives up to its beach house dream.
Marya Flurnoy
Senior Designer,
Feng Shui/Energy Expert
Author/Speaker
Marya's Tips for Successful Design:
- Think creatively, unburdened by conventional limitations.
- Embrace a mindset of endless possibilities.
- Vet a designer's portfolio for versatility and problem-solving prowess.
- Dare to innovate and incorporate unique design elements.
- Use textural layering to add depth and interest to walls.
- For white furnishings, choose Crypton fabric—it delivers both longevity and aesthetic appeal.
Creating A Gathering Space
The sectional was a non-negotiable, and by positioning it just so, we made the entire living space feel more expansive. The icing on the cake came when I discovered Riverside's bar table with matching stools. Tucked behind the sectional, it serves as a secondary hub for guests, making the room ideal for larger gatherings.
No More "Bowling Alley" Walkway
We designed a slender, custom bar cabinet to banish the "bowling alley" ambiance. It provides extra storage and subtly partitions the space to create a more harmonious flow. Layered wall treatments, framed by white moldings, set the stage for a calming beach-inspired oil painting. I added a pair of candle sconces to complete the look, infusing the room with a soft, inviting glow.
Conception to Completion
So there you have it—a transformed living area that can comfortably host 11 guests and a dining space for eight, all while echoing the relaxed luxury of a beachside retreat.
Floor Plan and Renderings
